Templet for pipe systems



NOV. 18, 1947. J, A, WQODS 2,431,109

TEMPLET F'OR PIPE SYSTEMS Filed Sept. 29, 1942' 2 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 18, 1947, J. A. WOODS' 2,431,100

TEMPLET FOR PIPE SYSTEMS Filed Sept. 29, 1942. 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nov. 18, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TEMPLET FOR PIPE SYSTEMS John A. Woods, Wilmington, Calif.

Application September 29, 1942, Serial No. 460,115

Claims. l

This invention relates to templets and relates more particularly to articulated or adjustable templets. A general object of this invention is to provide an adjustable templet useful in fabricating pipe, etc. to fit given installations.

In many situations it is desirable and, in some cases, necessary to assemble, shape or fabricate an object or assembly to occupy a given position and to connect it with given objects of a previously constructed structure or apparatus. For example, in the building of ships there are places where pipe units or assemblies must be fabricated to connect with flanges or pipe parts installed on or built into bulk heads, etc. In such cases it is a difiicult and time consuming operation to measure the distances and angles between the previously installed fittings in order to construct a fabricated assembly or unit that will correctly engage or t between them. Furthermore, after such measurements have been made it is extremely diflicult to fabricate the pipe unit to correctly mate with the previously installed fianges or pipe parts. This is particularly true when the pipe parts or assemblies are to be welded together as in modern ship building practice. In my co-pending application Serial No. 460,116, led September 29, 1942, I have described and claimed a fabricating device to facilitate the fabrication of the pipe units and assemblies and, while the present invention is not limited to any given use or application, it is particularly adapted for use with the fabricator of my co-pending application.

Another object of this invention is to provide a templet that may be easily and quickly adjusted or set to correctly engage between spaced pipe parts, such as spaced angularly related pipe flanges, and then taken to the fabricator of my co-pending application, above referred to, and

utilized in'adjusting or setting the flange or i pipe supporting elements of the same in exactly the same relationship as the flanges or pipe parts at the job or installation so that the pipe assemly may be fabricated to correctly t the already installed piping elements. In mass production work the templet of the invention may be employed to facilitate the setting of a plurality of the fabricators so that several Workmen or groups of workmen may be simultaneously engaged in the welding together or fabrication of the pipe assemblies or units.

Another object of this invention is to provide a templet of the character mentioned that may embody two, three or more work-engaging parts, such as anges for mating with corresponding or complementary parts of the already installed apparatus or piping to constitute a complete templet for an entire piping assembly or unit which may embody Ys, elbows, Ts, cross fittings, etc. with their flanged pipes, fittings or sections, etc.

Another object of this invention is to provide a templet of the character referred to that is simple and easy to set or condition and which remains in the adjusted or set state until deliberately altered or readjusted.

Another object of this invention is to provide a templet of the character referred to that has a wide range of adjustability, being capable of extensive elongation and contraction and having parts capable of movement or adjustment in practically any direction and toy practically any position.

Another object of this invention is to provide a templet of the character referred to embodying novel clamp means for releasably clamping or securing its sections or parts in the required relations.

A further object of this invention is to provide a templet of the character referred to embodying novel and particularly effective universally adjustable pipe engaging parts, such as flanges, for mating with complementary elements of the previously installed piping at the job or point of installation.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a more or less diagrammatic view illustrating one manner in which the templet of the invention may be employed in connection with pipe ports, or the like, previously installed or xed in a structure. Fig. 2 is an enlarged elevation view of the templet set or adjusted in accordance with the relationship of pipe parts shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and 4 are transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 3-3 and i-Ji, respectively, on Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the clamping nut, with the outer part appearing in cross section. Fig. 6 is a reduced side elevation of another form and application of the invention. Fig. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation of another form of the invention. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation of still another form of the invention. Fig. 9 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of the adjustable work engaging means illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 and Fig. 10 is a view taken as indicated by line lll-I0 on Fig. 9.

The invention may be embodied in forms for use in various classes of work and in a wide range of sizes. In Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, of the drawings I have illustrated a typical embodiment of the invention useful in flanged pipes and adapted for use in conjunction with the fabricator disclosed in my copending application referred to above. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited or restricted to this particular illustrative form and application of the invention and is to be construed as embodying any features or modications that may fall within the scope of the claims.

The templet of the present invention may be said to comprise, generally, an elongate extensible and contractible body Iii, one or more branch parts I I supported on the body IU for axial, rotary and angular adjustment thereon, one or more branch parts I2 mounted on the body III for bodily lateral movement, pivotal adjustment and longitudinal movement on the body and pipe or object-engaging elements I3 on the body IE) and branch parts II and I2 supported for universal adjustment.

The body I is an elongate structure for carrying the branch parts Il and I2 and adapted to be provided at one or both of its ends with the universally adjustable pipe engaging elements I3. In accordance With the invention the body IE is capable of elongation and contraction so that its elements I3 may be ycorrectly engaged or mated with pipe parts or pipe flanges spaced diiferent distances apart. The templet body III comprises two or more telescopically related relatively shiftable sections. In the simple case illustrated, the body Ill includes two sections I4 and I5. The section I5 is engaged or telescoped within the section I4. The sections I4 and I5 may be such that the section I5 may be substantially entirely received Within the Section I4 or may be withdrawn from the section I4 at a distance almost equaling its length as the conditions of use may require.

The section Ill is an elongate tubular part having one end open to receive the section I5. The section I4 may be formed of polished or iinished thin Walled tubing to be light in weight and to accurately carry the other parts. As illustrated, the section I4 is uniform in external diameter and the section I5 is likewise uniform in external diameter and is proportioned to rather accurately rit Within the section I4. The section I5 may be a solid rod-like part but it is usually preferred to construct it of tubing to reduce the weight and to conserve metal. The section I5 slidably or shiftably enters the section I4 and cooperates with the internal wall of the section I4 throughout the extent of its entry or penetration to be held in axial alignment With the section Iii and to remain steady.

The end of the section I4, which receives the section I5, carries means for releasably securing the two sections against relative shifting. The end portion of the section III has longitudinal slots I6 and carries a clamping sleeve Il'. The sleeve I'I is longitudinally split from its upper or outer end and has an external thread. A nut I8 is threaded on the split clamping sleeve Il. When the nut I8 is threaded inwardly on the sleeve II, the sleeve II is contracted to contract or clamp the section I4 onto the section I5 so that the two sections are held against relative shifting. The section I5 has calibrations of length 9 that may be read with the end of the section III to determine the length of the templet when the templet is adjusted against the work, as illustrated in Fig. 1, so that the templet may be easily released from the work and then restored to its adjusted length. It will be observed that the body II) is a simple structure whose length may be adjusted or varied at will as the conditions of use may require.

The part Il is in the nature of an arm or branch mounted on the body II) for axial adjustment therealong, for turning adjustment thereabout, for angular adjustment about an axis transverse of the body Ill and for projection and retraction relative to the body. In practice the branch part II may be an elongate tubular element and, as illustrated, may be of the same stock or tubular material as the body section III. The invention contemplates the employment of branch parts I I of selected lengths and the tempiet may be supplied with branch parts II throughout a wide range of lengths to adapt the tempiet for extensive use. The adjustable flange or pipe engaging elements I3 may be provided on one or both ends of the branch part II, as will be later described.

IThe invention includes novel and effective means for adjustably mounting the branch part il on the body It. This adjustable mounting means includes two complementary collars I and the collar I9 being on the body section ifi and the collar 2i? eing engaged about the branch part II. The collars I@ and 2G may be substantially identicaL'the collar IS having an opening for receiving the body section III and the collar 2t having an opening .22 for receiving the branch part II, see Fig. 4i. The collar I9 is split and has a pair of spaced ears or lugs 23 and 2li. The collar is likewise split and has a similar pair o projecting lugs Z5 and 2t. The ears or lugs proJe-ct radially along the split sides of the collars IS and 2d. The lugs 24 and 26 are preferably quite heavy and bear or engage one against the other, as best illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The engagement of these lugs 2d and 26 holds the pairs of lugs of the two collars in substantially parallel relation. Pairs of aligned transverse openings are provided in the pairs of lugs and pvot bolt or clamp bolt 2'( passes through those openings. The head of the bolt 2l engages one of the outer lugs, for example, the lug 23 and a nut 28 is threaded on the bolt to clamp against the other outer lug 25.

With the construction thus far described the bolt 27 connects the collar 2E of the 1oranch part II with the colla-r I5 on the body It so that the branch part is supported by the body and the tightening of the nut 'EB is adapted to simultaneously clamp the collars on the body section Iii and the branch part I I to releasably secure the branch part Il in the selected or required position. It will be seen that when the nut 28 is loosened that the collar I9 may be shifted and/ or turned on the body section III, that the branch part II may be shifted through its collar 20 and that the collar 2G may be pivoted or turned with respect to the collar IS to change the anguiar position of the branch part I i with respect to the body Ill. The cooperating collars I9 and 2t are constructed to have extensive frictional engagement to effectively resist unintentional shifting or relative turning when the branch part II has been set or secured in the required position. The engaging or cooperating faces of the collar lugs 2d and 2S have meshing or mating annular teeth or ridges d. rihe surfaces or sides of these ridges 29 have a slight pitch or inclination to increase their cooperating areas and to increase the frictional contact. rEne annular engaging ridges 2Q are concentric with the axis of the bolt 2l. When the nut 23 is tightened the ridges 29 are pressed one Within the other and their cooperating pitched surfaces effectively prevent relative pivotal movement between the body IO and the branch part II. The body section Ill may have calibrations of length S to be read with an end of the collar I9 and the branch part I I may have similar calibrations l to be read with the end of the collar 29 so that the position'of the branch part may be accurately determined and so that the branch part may be readily reset in its ad justed position. Where two or more branch parts II are incorporated in the templet they each may be adjustably secured on the body I 9 by a pair of the cooperating relatively adjustable collars I9 and 20, as just described.

The branch part I2 carries a universally adjustable element I 3 and is adjustably supported on the body I il. The branch part I2 is in the form of an elongate clamp supported on the body I0 for bodily lateral adjustment and for rotary adjustment and longitudinal movement, on the body. The branch part I2 is generally Ueshaped in plan View having two side parts or sections 30 separated by an elongate notch 3| and a relatively narrow slot 32. The notch 3l is of substantial width to receive the body section I4 with substantial clearance and is of substantial length so that the branch part i2 may be shifted a considerable distance transversely relative to the body I9. The end parts of the sections 3i! separated by the slot 32 are thickened but may be relatively short. A split sleeve is composed of a pair oi opposing blocks 33 engaged about the body section I4. The blocks 33 have opposing seats or grooves 34 for receiving and conforming to the cylindrical body section i4. faces of the blocks 33 are flat and are slidably received within the notch 3l, whose walls are of corresponding shape. Pins 35 project from the outer sides of the blocks 33 and are slidably and turnably received in elongate slots 33 in the arms or sections 39. The pins 35 are longitudinally aligned and their common axis preferably intersects the longitudinal axis of the body section I 4. 'I'he pins 35 are engageable with the end walls of the slots 36 to limit the lateral adjustment of the branch part I2 relative to the body I Il.

The thickened end portions of the sections 30 have aligned transverse openings 31 passing or receiving a clamp bolt 38. The head of the bolt 38 engages the outer side of one section 30 and a nut 39 is threaded on the other end of the bolt to clamp against the other section 30. A similar bolt 38a is passed through the slots 36 and has a threaded nut 39a. the sections 33 are clamped against the blocks 33 to prevent shifting and pivoting of the branch part I2 relative to the body I and the blocks 33 are tightly clamped onto the body section I4 so that the branch part I2 cannot turn or shift longitudinally along the body. The bolt 38 also serves to clamp the adjustable element I3 of the branch part I2 in the selected position, as will be subsequently described. The nut 39a may be tightened on bolt 38a supplementing the clamping action of nut and bolt 38 and 39, respectively.

The universally adjustable elements I3 are adapted to conform to and to be fitted against spaced pipe parts, or the like, at the job or installation, taking the place of or simulating the The external sur- When nut 39 is tightened f parts of the pipe unit or assembly that is to be parts. Each of these elements I3 includes a split sleeve 40 engaged on an end of the body I 0 or the branch part II, as the case may be. The sleeves 40 may be split into two sections. In accordance with the invention the split sleeves 40 are connected with the body l0 and branch part II for free relative rotation when loosened for adjustment but are held against displacement from the body and branch part. Annular corrugations 4I are provided on the end portions of the body I0 and branch part II and complementary cor rugations 42 are provided on the interiors of the sleeves to cooperate with the corrugations 4I. The corrugations 4I and 42 have curved surfaces and allow turning of the sleeves 40 but effectively prevent unintentional detachment of the sleeves.

Each sleeve 40 has a transverse opening 44 passing through its split portion. Clamp bolts 45 are passed through these transverse openings and have nuts 46 threaded on their ends. By tightening the bolts the sleeves 4i] may be clamped onto the body lo and the branch part II. The outer ends of the sleeves 40 have sockets 47. The sockets 41 have spherically curved concave walls and receive balls 4S. Stems 49 extend outwardly from the balls 48 to project from the outer ends of the sleeves 40. The stems 49 carry the work engaging parts. In the construction illustrated, the stems 49 carry disc-like parts, which I will term flanges 50, which correspond generally to the anges of the piping assembly which is to be fabricated. In the preferred construction the flanges 50 are detachably secured to the stems 49 so that they may be replaced by flanges or other parts for cooperating with pipe flanges, etc. of different sizes, types, etc. The flanges 50 have threaded openings 43 receiving threaded end parts of the stems 49. The flanges 50 have circumferentially spaced openings 5I which may correspond in spacing and size to the openings of the flanges to be provided on the piping assembly. Each sleeve 40 has a slot or notch 52 extending inwardly from its outer end. The slots 52 are adapted to receive the stems 49 to allow rocki' ing or pivoting of the balls 48 in the sockets 41.

This allows the flanges 5I! to the swung to any required angular relation with respect to the body I9 and branch part II. As above described, the sleeves 49 are turnable on the body I 0 and branch part l l which allows the flanges 50 to be turned so that theiropenings 5I are brought into register with the openings of the pipe parts. It is believed that it will be apparent how the flanges 50 provided with the ball and socket mountings and carried by the turnable sleeves 40 may be universally adjusted.

The element I3a of the branch part I2 includes a socket 4'Ia formed in the thickened parts of the sections 30. The socket 4l'a has spherically concaved walls and receives a ball 48a. A stem 49a projects from the ball 48a and extends from the outer end of the part I2. The outer end of the stem 49a is provided with a removable iange 5I)a which may be the same as the flanges 50. The side wall of the socket 4'!a is notched to receive the stem 49a so that the flange 50a may be brought to any angular position.

In the use of the templet the templet is brought to the location where the piping is to be installed. In Fig. 1 of the drawings I have illustrated a typical manner in which the templet may be used at the work. In this gure there are three pipe parts A, B and C projecting from or exposed at diierent adjacent walls of a structure, apparatus or assembly. The pipe parts A and B are longitudinally aligned, while the pipe part C projects from a side wall and is angularly disposed relative to the pipe parts A and B. Each pipe part A, B and C is provided at its exposed end with a connecting or coupling part. In the case illustrated, anges F are provided on the pipe parts A, B and C. It will be assumed that a pipe unit or assembly is to be fabricated and connected up between the pipe parts A, B and C and that the templet is to be employed to facilitate the accurate fabrication of the pipe unit or assembly.

The templet is brought to position at the projecting pipe parts and if the nut I8 has not been previously loosened it is backed off to permit adjustment in the length of the body Ill. The flange 58 onthe element I3 at one end of the body Iii may be engaged against the flange F of a pipe part A or B. For example, in the case illustrated, the flange I) of the element I3 on the lower end of the body III may be engaged with the flange F on the pipe part B. It is usually preferred to line up the openings 5I of the flange 5I) with the openings in the flange F and, if desired, the flange 59 may be temporarily bolted to the flange F by two or more bolts to bring the openings into correct registration and to maintain this registration until the templet is finally adjusted or set. It will be observed that the sleeve Ll!! on the lower end of the body I may be turned to permit the ready registration of the flange openings and then secured in the selected rotative position by tightening the nut 45. Tightening of the nut IIE clamps the sleeve 40 on the body section Ill and clamps the ball 48 in the socket l so that the flange 59 cannot thereafter turn.

The body section I5 is then adjusted or shifted to bring its element I3 to the correct position at the pipe part A. The flange 5B of the element I3 on the upper end of the section I5 may be brought against the face of the flange F on the pipe part A and turned to bring its openings 5I into registration with the openings in the iiange F, the turnable sleeve 40 permitting this rotation of the flange 5I). Two or more bolts may be passed through the registering openings of the flange F and the flange 5I! to temporarily secure the ange 59 to the flange of the pipe part A. This positively positions the flange 5D in the correct position. The nut I8 is tightened to hold the body section I5 against movement with respect to the section It and the nut 4S on the upper element I3 is tightened down to clamp the sleeve il against turning and to clamp the ball 48 in the socket Il to secure the flange in the correct position. It is to be observed that the universally mounted flanges 50 may be rockedy or tilted to flatly bear against the anges F of the pipe parts A and B and where the flanges of the pipe parts A and Bare not in the parallel relation as illustrated the elements I3 may be readily adjusted and set so that their flanges 50 occupy positions against the flanges F that are to be later occupied by the flanges of the piping assembly or unit to be fabricated.

The branch part II may be easily adjusted or moved to position its element I3 for connection with the pipe part C. Assuming that the nut 28 is loose the collar I9 may be readily slid along the body section Ill and may be turned on the body section to bring the part II to the desired rotative position and elevation. The collar 2G may be pivoted on the bolt I'I to swing the branch part Il to the required angle and I2 comes into use.

the part II may be adjusted longitudinally through the collar 23 to bring the flange 50 of its element I3 into engagement with the flange F of the pipe part C. The nut 2S may be tightened down when the adjustments have been made. The flange 553 supported by the ball and socket connection and carried by the rotatable sleeve lf3 may be easily brought to the position where its face atly bears on the face of the flange F on the pipe part C and where its openings 5I register with the openings in the flange F. When these adjustments have been made the nut l5 is tightened down. Prior to this the flange 5I! may be temporarily bolted to the flange F on the pipe part C to assure the correct setting of the flange Se.

Where the piping assembly or unit to be fabricated requires a lateral for connecting with a previously installed pipe part the branch part With the nuts 39 and 392L loose the branch part I2 may be pivoted and shifted transversely with respect to the body section Ill and may be bodily rotated or turned on the body section I. Furthermore, the branch part I2 mounted on the body section Ill through the medium of the blocks 33 may be adjusted or shifted along the body section I4. These several adjustments bring the branch part I2 to the position Where its element I3EL may be made to correctly mate with the stationary pipe part. The flange 59a mounted on the branch part I2 through the ball and socket connection may be rocked or tilted to any required position and may be rotated to line up its openings with the openings of the previously installed pipe flange. When the several adjustments have been made the nuts 39 and 392L are tightened to secure the branch part I2 in the adjusted position and to secure the element I3a against movement. It is to be observed that the bolts 33 and 33a operate to secure the branch part I2 in the adjusted position on the body II) and also serve to secure its element I3a in the adjusted position.

When ther several parts of the templet have been adjusted and set the templet is disengaged from the pipe parts A, B and C and may be used as a templet in assembling or fabricating the pipe unit that is t0 be installed or it may be employed in connection with the fabricator disclosed in my co-pending application referred to above. It is to be observed that the templet, when properly employed, has its pipe engaging parts or flanges 5I! and 5ta in the exact positions or relations that are to be later occupied by the parts or flanges of the pipe unit to be fabricated. This materially facilitates the assembly or fabrication of the piping unit.

It is to be understood that the templet of the invention may be adjusted and set by performing the several operations in a, sequence other than that described in detail above and that the description of operation set forth herein is merely typical. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the templet may embody two or more branch parts II and two or more branch parts I2 as the conditions of use may require and that such parts are readily assembled on and removed from the body IIB.

Fig. 6 illustrates one manner in which the templet of the invention may be employed in connection with very large pipe flanges. In this ap plication there are two large iianges Bil and I and a slightly smaller lateral flange S2 for mating with the flanges of the work or pipes. The

flanges 69 and 6I are generally parallel and, as`

illustrated, are substantially horizontal but the flange El) is pitched at a slight angle. The flanges y(il) and 6I are connected by two or more templet body assemblies each comprising the telescopically related sections I4 and I5 adapted to be connected or locked in the selected positions by Vthe sleeve and nut connections I1 and Iii, as above described. The sleeves 4G on the ends of the sections I4 and 'I5 carry the balls 48 which in turn areprovided with the stems 49, all as above described. The stems '49 are suitably connected with their respective flanges Eil) and 5 I, for example, they may be threaded into openings in the flanges.` One or more brace templet assemblies Amay be connected between the flanges 5d and S I. Thus, as illustrated, there is a diagonal templet assembly I4 and l5 connected between the flanges 6U and` GI and its stems 49 are suitably secured to the iianges. It will be seen how the telescopically related templet assemblies may be adj-usted and locked to secure the flanges 5D and 5I in their required positions where they mate with the work.

The lateral flange 62 is supported by two or more templet body assemblies I4-I5 whose outer stems 49 Vare suitably connected with the flange. The inner ends of these supporti-ng assemblies maybe mounted on one or more `of the assemblies Iii-'t5 connected between the `iianges tu and 6I by the adjustable collar connections I9-2 described in detail above. In some cases the supports for the lateral flange 52 may be branch parts iI or vI2 of the templets which connect the flanges t and 6I. A two-way brace assembly 53 -assists in supporting the Vlateral flange 62. This two-way brace assembly may be made up of a templet body combination -Id-I whose ball and socket stems G9 are secured to the flange til and iiange 62. It will be seen that this two-way brace structure ties together and braces the parts of the templet structure. Fig. 6 merely illustrates one manner in which a plurality of the templet means of the invention may be employed and is not 'to be construed as limiting the application of a plural use of the templets.

Figs. 7 to 10, inclusive, illustrate forms of the invention useful where the work to be engaged has large or relatively large pipe flanges. Furthermore, the templet structures illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 have a wider range of use and adjustment.

Fig. '1 illustrates a portion of a templet embodying a body assembly comprising body sections Iib and `Ib. The section I4b may be a straight tubu lar member, while the section I5b is angular having a 90 bend between its ends. The body sec- -tions I4b and I5b are preferably of larger or heavier tubular stock than the sections I4 and I5 described above. The sections Illb and liib are connected by a split clamp 'Iii on the outer end of the section I4b. The clamp 1@ is provided at its opposite sides with clamp bolts 1I whereby the section Illb may be clamped onto the section I5b to prevent relative movement between the sections. Fig. 8 of the drawings illustrates a body section 'I5c which has a 45 bend or angle at a point between its ends. In other respects, the section I5c may be the same as Vthe section I5b. It is to be understood that the body sections of the templet may have curves or bends different in character and degree from those illustrated and at either one or both of the telescopic body sections of the templet may be angular. It will be seen that the work engaging means lib carried by the angular sections I5b and I5c may be brought to the required `posit-ions by shifting the sections in their respective sections I4b or by turning the sections I5b vand |50, lor both. The outer ends of the body sections Ifb and 'I4 described above are provided with work eng-aging means 3b designed for engaging large or relatively large fianges of the work.

Each work engaging means ISb comprises a base member 12 rigidly secured to the end of a Asection 15b Aor I5c as Vthe ease may be. The base member 12 may have a stem 13 centering in the body section I5b or I5c and the base member may be welded Vto the `body sect-ion as at 14. The base member 12 is 'a plate or flange-like part projecting radially from the end of the body section. A `ball member *I5 is centrally arranged on the outer side 'of -the base member 12 and may be secured tothe base member by bolts or screws 16. The outer end of the ball member 15 is dome shaped having a spherically curved convex outer surface 11. The ball member 15 is tubular or hollow 'and its outer end has a spherically curved concave internal surface 18 whose axis is coincident with the axis of the surface 11. Two diametrically opposite windows or openings 19 are provided in the inner portion of the ball member 15. The outer end of the ball member l'I5 is open for the purpose to be later described.

A socket element 80 is arranged on the outer end of the `ball member 15. The socket member 8b has a concave spherically curved seat or socket B-I receiving or cooperating `with the external surface 11 of the ball member 15. A central stud or stem V82 is provided on the socket member `B and a work engaging :Ii-ange 83 is removably threaded on the stem. The flange 83 has oircumferentially spaced openings 84 adapted to register with the openings or some of the openings in the work flanges or pipe flanges. The flange 33 may be removed from the stem 82 and replaced by iianges of different sizes.

Each work engaging means 13b further includes means associated with the socket member 8l) for cooperating with the internal `spherical surface 18 of Athe ball member 15. This means includes a yoke or transverse bar 85 which passes through the openings 19 with clearance. The bar f35 is received -in the openings 19 with suitable clearance to have extensive `movement therein. The outer ends Aof the bar 85 are connected with the socket member by studs or bolts 86. A central spherical boss 81 is provided `on the upper A'side 4of the bar v85 and carries a block 8B which is shaped to conform to the boss. The block Se carries an inner ball element 589 for cooperating with the internal spherical surfaces l'I'S of the ball member 15. A rod or stud 90 passes through aligned central openings in the boss 81, block 88 and ball element -89 and is secured in a central opening inthe stem 82. In practice the stud 96 may be lixed 'in the stem 82 by welding. It will be seen that with the nuts a yof the bolts A85 properly set or adjusted the ball element 89 is `in effective bearing cooperation with `the internal spherical surface 18 of the member 15 and the surface ill of the socket member 80 is in effective cooperation with the external spherical surface 11 `of the ball member 15. It is to be observed that the socket member 80 which Carries the work engaging ange 83 is provided with or carries parts which cooperate with both the external and internal surfaces 11 and.18 of the ball member 15, there being ample surface engagement to maintain the flange carrying member 80 stable and rm. A spring 9| surrounds the stud 90 and is under compression between the ball element 89 and the seat or wall of the socket element 89 to assist in freeing the surfaces for ready adjustment of the work engaging means when the flange 83 is to be tilted or adjusted.

Means is provided for setting or releasably securing the work engaging means 13b in the condition where theV flange 83 is in the desired position. In practice this means may constitute studs engageable between the base member 12 and the flange-like lower portion of the socket member 89, which studs may be adjusted to positively prevent unintentional movement of the socket member. Inrthe case illustrated the releasable holding means comprises an annular series of bolts or studs 92 arranged through openings 93 in the lower flange 94 of the socket member 89 and passing through openings 95 in the base member 12. The openings 93 and 95 are arcuate and receive the studs 92 with substantial clearance and the walls of the openings 93 and 95 flare toward their opposite ends so that the studs 92 may tip or rock when the socket member 89 is adjusted with respect to the ball' member 15. Nuts 96 are threaded on the studs 92 and have rounded or partially spherical parts 91 for engaging in the openings 93 and 95. The nuts 86 are threaded on the opposite ends of the studs 92 and have extensive threaded engagement with the studs so that they may be threaded along the studs to effect any required adjustment of the flange 83 or to permit any required adjustment. It will be seen that when the nuts 99 are brought against the base member 12 and the flange S they serve to positively hold the socket member 80 in place.

It is to be understood that the work engaging means 13b illustrated in Figs. 7 to 10, inclusive, of the drawings, may be employed in any of the forms of the invention. The flanges 83 are supported for limited universal movement and may be set in the required position to cooperate with the work.

Having described typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

l. A templet comprising an extensible and contractible body, releasable means for holding the body against extension or contraction when adjusted to the desired length, a first branch part, means for mounting the iirst branch part on the body with its longitudinal axis offset from that of the body and for movement therealong, for pivotal movement with respect thereto on an axis transverse of the body and for bodily movement along its own longitudinal axis and operable to releasably secure therst branch part against movement, a second branch part, means for mounting the second branch part on the bodyV so its longitudinal axis intersects that of the body and for movement therealong and for movement laterally thereof and operable to releasably secure the second branch part against movement, and work engaging elements on the body and the branch parts.

2. In combination, anelongate body, a work engaging element, and means for mounting the element on the body comprising a part slidable along and turnable on the body, a part on the element, one part having a socket, a ball on the other part movably engaged in the socket, and a single bolt means for releasably holding the rst named part against turning and sliding along the body on the body and releasably holding the ball against movement in the socket.

3. In combination, an elongate body, a work engaging element and means for mounting the element on the body comprising a split sleeve slidable along and turnable on the body and having a socket, a ball cn the element movably engaged in the socket, and a single screw for compressingthe split sleeve to prevent turning and sliding of the sleeve on the body and to prevent movement of the ball in the socket.

4. In a templet of the class described, a body, a branch part comprising sections passing at opposite sides of the body, blocks engaged on the body and carrying the branch part for bodily shifting, and bolt means for urging the sections toward one another to clamp the blocks onto the body and to clamp the sections onto the blocks so that the branchV part is held against movement.

5. In a templet of the class described, a body, a branch part comprising sections passing at opposite sides of the body, blocks engaged on the body and carrying the branch part for bodily shifting, the sections having a socket between them at one end of the branch part, a work engaging element, a ball on the element tiltably engaged in the socket, and a single bolt passing through openings in the sections for clamping the sections onto the blocks, for clamping the blocks onto the body and for clamping the ball against movement in the socket.

JOHN A. WOODS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 180,881 Hawson Aug. 8, 1876 281,311 Snell Aug. 17, 1883 471,156 Tinsley Mar. 22, 1892 1,455,441 Hodney May 15, 1923 1,631,831 Palmer-Jones June 7, 1927 1,882,483 Cannon Oct. 11, 1932 2,095,059 Donnelly Oct. 5, 1937 2,205,311 Sabatello June 18, 1940 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 9,137 Great Britain Apr. 22, 1903 128,677 Germany Mar. 3, 1902 347,410 Germany Jan. 18, 1922 523,658 France Aug. 22, 1921 826,525 France Apr. 1, 1938 

